Anti-inflammatory role of APRIL by modulating regulatory B cells in antigen-induced arthritis.

APRIL (A Proliferation-Inducing Ligand), a member of the TNF superfamily, was initially described for its ability to promote proliferation of tumor cells in vitro. Moreover, this cytokine has been related to the pathogenesis of different chronic inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of APRIL in regulating B cell-mediated immune response in the antigen-induced arthritis (AIA) model in mice. AIA was induced in previously immunized APRIL-transgenic (Tg) mice and their littermates by administration of antigen (mBSA) into the knee joints. Different inflammatory cell populations in spleen and draining lymph nodes were analyzed using flow cytometry and the assay was performed in the acute and chronic phases of the disease, while cytokine levels were assessed by ELISA. In the acute AIA, APRIL-Tg mice developed a less severe condition and a smaller inflammatory infiltrate in articular tissues when compared with their littermates. We also observed that the total cellularity of draining lymph nodes was decreased in APRIL-Tg mice. Flow cytometry analysis revealed an increase of CD19+IgM+CD5+ cell population in draining lymph nodes and an increase of CD19+CD21hiCD23hi (B regulatory) cells in APRIL-Tg mice with arthritis as well as an increase of IL-10 and CXCL13 production in vitro.

Risk of bias and methodological critical appraisal in systematic reviews of non- and micro-invasive caries management for primary and permanent teeth.

INTRODUCTION: Paediatric dentistry should rely on evidence-based clinical decisions supported by high-quality, unbiased systematic reviews (SRs). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to systematically evaluate the methodological quality and risk of bias of SRs focused on non- and micro-invasive treatment for caries lesions in primary and permanent teeth. METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted in multiple databases, including MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, Epistemonikos, and ProQuest, up to March 2023 to identify relevant systematic reviews (SRs) focused on non- and micro-invasive caries treatment. Two independent reviewers extracted data from the included SRs and assessed the methodological quality and risk of bias using the AMSTAR 2 and ROBIS tools, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 39 SRs were included in the analysis. Among these, 27 SRs (69.2%) were assessed as having critically low methodological quality, 11 SRs (28.2%) were considered to have low methodological quality and only one SR was rated as high-quality. The primary concern identified was the absence of protocol registration before the commencing the study, observed in 33 SR when using the AMSTAR 2 tool. According to the ROBIS tool, 21 studies (53.8%) were categorised as low risk of bias, 10 (25.6%) as high risk and eight (20.5%) as unclear risk of bias. CONCLUSION: Our analysis revealed that SRs focused on non- and micro-invasive treatment for caries in children and adolescents had critically low methodological quality according to the AMSTAR 2 tool but demonstrated a low risk of bias based on the ROBIS tool. These findings highlight the importance of emphasizing prospective protocol registration, clear reporting of statistical analyses, and addressing potential bias implications within this topic. By addressing these issues, we can enhance the quality of SRs and ensure that clinical decisions rely on unbiased and trustworthy evidence. Registry DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/AR4MS.

Agreement of synchronous remote and in-person application of the Alberta Infant Motor Scale: Cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Using standardized scales to assess motor development via telemedicine can increase access for low-income populations. Our aim was to verify the agreement and feasibility between remotely and synchronously applying the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) and the in-person format. METHODS: This was a concordance study, with 77 typical infants aged 4-18 months (mean = 13 months). The AIMS was applied remote via video calls and face-to-face. We applied a questionnaire to caregivers to verify feasibility. RESULTS: There was a high level of agreement between the remote and in-person assessments, with intraclass correlation coefficients above 0.98 and low standard error measure values (<1 item for each posture, <2 items for the total raw score, and =5% for the normative score). The smallest detectable change was between 1.67 and 2.45 for each posture, 3 for the total raw score, and 6% for the normative score. The Bland-Altman analysis showed low bias with the mean difference close to zero (<0.80) and low error with little dispersion of the difference points around the mean. Caregivers' perspectives on the synchronous remote assessment were positive, with good quality, clear information during the assessment, and comfort with the method. DISCUSSION: The synchronous remote application of the AIMS may be an alternative for families without access to in-person services that assess motor development.

Acrobatic training prevents motor deficits and neuronal loss in male and female rats following chronic cerebral hypoperfusion.

BACKGROUND: Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion in vascular dementia leads to memory and motor deficits; Physical exercise improves these aspects and promotes neuroprotection. Sexual dimorphism may significantly influence both ischemic and exercise outcomes. AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 2VO (Two-Vessel occlusion) and the acrobatic training on motor function, functional performance, and tissue loss in male and female rats. METHODS: Male and female rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: sham acrobatic, sham sedentary, 2VO acrobatic and 2VO sedentary. After 45 days of 2VO surgery, the animals received 4 weeks of acrobatic training. At the end, open field, beam balance and horizontal ladder tests were performed. Brain samples were taken for histological and morphological evaluation. RESULTS: Spontaneous motor activity in the open field was not affected by 2VO, on the other hand, an impairment in forelimb placement was observed after 2VO and acrobatic training prevented errors and improved hindlimb placement. Neuronal loss was found in the motor cortex and striatum after 2VO, especially in females, which was prevented by acrobatic training. CONCLUSION: Mild motor damage was found in animals after 2VO when refined movement was evaluated, probably associated to neuronal death in the motor cortex and striatum. The acrobatic exercise showed a neuroprotective effect, promoting neuronal survival and attenuating the motor deficit.

Association between environmental factors during the COVID-19 pandemic and functioning of infants with biological risk in the first year of life: Cross-sectional exploratory study.

BACKGROUND: Child development can be influenced by family and environmental factors, which changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, it is important to explore how these factors are associated with the functioning of infants with biological risk in the first year of life. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate associations between family factors, home opportunities, caregiver perception of environmental support and barriers at home and environmental factors during the COVID-19 pandemic and gross motor skills and home participation in infants with biological risk in the first year of life. METHODS: Fifty-six infants aged two to 12 months (M = 5.80 months; ±2.44) and their mothers performed remote assessments of gross motor skills using the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS); participation and environment (phone call) by the Young Children's Participation and Environment Measure (YC-PEM); family factors (income, age and maternal education), home opportunities - The Affordances in the Home Environment for Motor Development - Infant Scale (AHEMD-IS) and environmental factors during the COVID-19 pandemic (social distancing, emotional and financial factors and physiotherapy) (online forms). Regression models were constructed, considering gross motor skills and home participation as outcome variables, with a 5 % significance level. RESULTS: We found that older maternal age (p = 0.001), more home opportunities (p = 0.043), and less rigorous social distancing (as opposed to total social distancing [p = 0.045]) were significantly associated with better gross motor skills; and higher maternal education (p = 0.050) was associated with more involvement in home activities. CONCLUSION: Family factors, home opportunities and social distancing were differently associated with the gross motor skills and home participation of infants with biological risk in the first year of life.

Generalized Joint Hypermobility: A Statistical Analysis Identifies Non-Axial Involvement in Most Cases.

CONTEXT: Joint hypermobility (JH) represents the extreme of the normal range of motion or a condition for a group of genetically determined connective tissue disorders. Generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) is suspected when present in all four limbs and the axial skeleton, scored in prepubescent children and adolescents by a Beighton Score (BS) ≥ 6. Parameters are also used to identify GJH in hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSDs). The purpose of this study is to characterize children with JH based on the location of variables in the BS ≥ 6 and identify children with JH in the axial skeleton, upper limbs (ULs), and lower limbs (LLs) simultaneously. METHODS: We analyzed 124 medical records of one- to nine-year-old children with JH by BS. RESULTS: The characterization of GJH by combinations of the axial skeleton, ULs, and LLs simultaneously totaled 25.7%. BS = 6 and BS = 8 consisted of variables located in ULs and LLs. BS = 7 included the axial skeleton, ULs, and LLs. BS ≥ 6 represents the majority of the sample and predominantly girls. CONCLUSIONS: BS ≥ 6 represents the majority of the sample and predominantly girls. Most characterized children with GJH present BS = 6 and BS = 8 with variables located only in ULs and LLs, a condition that does not imply the feature is generalized. In children, BS = 7 and BS = 9 characterize GJH by including the axial skeleton, ULs, and LLs. These results draw attention to the implications for defining the diagnosis of hEDS and HSDs.

Effects of auriculotherapy on muscle fatigue: A randomized crossover trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed investigate the effect of auriculotherapy on exercise-induced muscle fatigue, isometric torque production, and surface electromyographic activity (EMG). METHODS: Design: Randomized Crossover Trial. The sample consisted of 18 males' volunteers who exercised at least twice a week. THE SAMPLE WAS RANDOMLY ASSIGNED TO TWO GROUPS: Placebo Group (n = 9) and Treated Group (n = 9), and after seven days, the groups were crossed. The data analysis included 18 participants in each group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The muscle fatigue index, force production rate, and EMG of the quadriceps were used for evaluation. The evaluation moments included baseline pre-fatigue, baseline post-fatigue, 48 h post-intervention pre-fatigue, and 48 h post-intervention post-fatigue. Mixed two-way test ANOVA was used to compare times and groups. RESULTS: The fatigue index for peak torque and work showed no significant effect on time, groups, or interaction (p > 0.05). However, for isometric torque, force production rate, and EMG median frequency and average, the results indicate a positive change in values over time (p < 0.05) (with little practical relevance), with no differences observed between the groups or interaction (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, auriculotherapy had no effect on exercise-induced muscle fatigue, isometric torque production, and surface electromyographic activity.

Efficacy of diadynamic currents as an adjunct to exercise to manage symptoms of knee osteoarthritis in adults: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of diadynamic currents administered prior to exercises on pain and disability in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. DESIGN: A randomized-controlled trial. SETTING: Special Rehabilitation Services in Taboão da Serra. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with bilateral knee osteoarthritis. INTERVENTION: Participants were randomly allocated to Group I (diadynamic currents and exercises; n = 30, 60 knees) or Group II (exercises alone; n = 30, 60 knees) and were treated three times a week for 8 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measures were change in knee pain evaluated by visual analog scale and disability Index Score (Lequesne). Secondary outcomes included change in mobility (Timed Up and Go test), range of motion (goniometer), muscle strength (dynamometer), a composite score for pain and disability (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis questionnaire), and a drug diary to measure consumption of rescue pain medication (paracetamol). All measurements were collected at baseline, 8 weeks, and 6 months from baseline (follow-up). RESULTS: There were 60 participants with a mean (SD) age of 63.40 (8.20) years. Between-group differences in the follow-up (8 weeks and 6 months) were observed for pain at rest, pain during activities of daily living and disability. There was improvement in Group I that was maintained for the three variables 6 months after treatment. Mean difference for pain at rest was -3.08 points (95% confidence interval -4.13; -2.02), p < 0.01 with an effect size of 1.4; mean difference for pain during activities of daily living was -2.40 points (95% confidence interval -3.34; -1.45), p < 0.01 with an effect size of 1.24; and mean difference for disability was -4.08 points (95% confidence interval -5.89; -2.26), p < 0.01 with an effect size of 1.04. CONCLUSION: Patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis receiving 8 weeks of treatment with diadynamic currents as an adjunct to a program of exercises had significantly greater improvements in pain and disability than those receiving exercises alone. Beneficial effects were sustained for 6 months.

Dental age assessment and dental scoring systems: combined different statistical methods.

INTRODUCTION: Age Estimation has been considered as a human basic right, carried out through the use of tables for dental age assessment based on the chronology of tooth eruption. As such, the final aim of this investigation is to create tables with applicability to the Portuguese population, for the different scoring systems used and combined different statistical approaches. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For this purpose, dental age assessment was achieved in all four third molars, using different scoring systems, in a total sample of 626 orthopantomograms (324 females, 302 males), aged between 12 and 25 years old, from the database population of Lisbon North University Hospital Center, approved by the Ethic Committee. RESULTS: The values of validation showed excellent results both on precision and on reproducibility. Mostly all methods showed statistically significant differences between the estimated age and the chronological age and, therefore, the presence of estimation errors. Kullman's and Mincer's methods are the ones with best applicability in the Portuguese population, in the lower third molars. The reliability measures (sensitivity, specificity and accuracy) values decrease as age increases. CONCLUSION: A combination of the scoring systems as a protocol for dental age assessment in Portuguese nationality was established. Tables, for all the scoring systems used, were made with applicability in the Portuguese population.

A ótica do enfermeiro sob a pesquisa em enfermagem na estratégia saúde da família, no município de Maceió/AL / The nurse's perspective on nursing research in the family health strategy, in the city of Maceió/AL

Analisar como a pesquisa é vivenciada pelos enfermeiros da Estratégia Saúde da Família. Método: pesquisa com abordagem qualitativa, descritiva e exploratória realizada junto aos enfermeiros do município de Maceió, Alagoas. Resultado: o município consta com 86 enfermeiros na Estratégia, sendo todos do sexo feminino. Desses, 10 foram submetidos a entrevista semiestruturada onde foi possível a elaboração de cinco categorias: a pesquisa e a vivência na Estratégia, a pesquisa e a economia, a pesquisa e a família, a pesquisa e à docência e a pesquisa e o crescimento profissional. Conclui-se que o enfermeiro precisa se apropriar da pesquisa científica e utilizá-la no seu campo de trabalho, principalmente na Saúde Pública, pois grande parte das pesquisas realizadas por estes profissionais ainda estão concentradas na docência, nos cursos de especializações, mestrados e doutorados.(AU)

To analyze how research is experienced by nurses in the Family Health Strategy. Method: research with a qualitative, descriptive and exploratory approach carried out with nurses from the city of Maceio, Alagoas. Result: the municipality has 86 nurses in the Strategy, all being female. Of these, 10 were subjected to a semi-structured interview where it was possible to create five categories: research and experience in Strategy, research and economics, research and family, research and teaching and research and professional growth. It is concluded that nurses need to take ownership of scientific research and use it in your field of work, mainly in Public Health, as much of the research carried out by these professionals is still concentrated in teaching in specialization, master's and doctoral courses.(AU)

Analizar cómo es vivida la investigación por enfermeros en la Estrategia Salud de la Familia. Método: investigación con enfoque cualitativo, descriptivo y exploratorio realizada con enfermeros de la ciudad de Maceió, Alagoas. Resultado: el municipio cuenta con 86 enfermeras en la Estrategia, todas mujeres. De ellos, 10 fueron sometidos a una entrevista semiestructurada donde fue posible crear cinco categorías: investigación y experiencia en Estrategia, investigación y economía, investigación y familia, investigación y docencia e investigación y crecimiento profesional. Se concluye que el enfermero necesita apropiarse de la investigación científica y utilizarla en su campo de trabajo, especialmente en Salud Pública, pues gran parte de la investigación realizada por estos profesionales aún se concentra en la docencia, cursos de especialización, maestrías y doctorados.(AU)

Behavioral Assessment of Central Auditory Processing in Turner Syndrome.

Introduction Turner syndrome (TS) affects ∼ 1 in 2,500 live births. The presence of hearing alterations is one of the comorbidities found in this syndrome. Objective The present study aimed to evaluate the central auditory abilities in TS and to associate the alterations found with the cytogenetic pattern of the syndrome. Methods We included children and adults aged 9 to 39 years old, diagnosed with TS, with numerical or structural alterations of sex chromosomes in their karyotype. A battery of behavioral tests of central auditory processing (CAP) was performed, including a test within the modalities: monoaural low-redundancy, dichotic listening, binaural interaction, and temporal processing (resolution and ordering). We studied auditory skills in the total sample and in the sample stratified by age, divided into groups: G1 (9 to 13 years old), G2 (14 to 19 years old), and G3 (20 to 31 years old). For the association of the cytogenetic pattern, the division was T1 (chromosome monosomy X), and T2 (other TS cytogenetic patterns). Statistical analysis presented data expressed as median and interquartile range for numerical data and as frequency and percentage for categorical data. Results We found alterations in four auditory skills in the three age groups, but there was a statistically significant difference between the age groups only in the Gaps in Noise Test (GIN) ( p -value = 0.009). Regarding karyotype, a greater number of alterations in the T1 cytogenetic pattern (chromosome monosomy X) was observed in four auditory skills, but without a statistically significant difference. Conclusion The alterations found point to an impairment in CAP in TS.

Differing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on farmers and intermediaries: insights into the Ecuadorian cocoa value chain.

The COVID-19 pandemic generated diverse impacts and responses in agricultural value chains worldwide. Cocoa is a key crop for Ecuadorian exports, and the analysis of effects the pandemic had on value chain actors contributes to the understanding of their individual capacities to coping with a major shock. The purpose of this study was to assess the number and severity of impacts and responses implemented by two links in the cocoa value chain to the pandemic, based on a survey of 158 cocoa farmers and 52 cocoa intermediaries from the main cocoa-producing provinces of the northern coast of Ecuador in 2021. Surveyed farmers and part of the intermediaries form part of the sustainability program of a large Swiss chocolate manufacturer. The impacts and responses reported were grouped into seven resources according to the Activity System Approach. Then, a comparison between groups was applied using the Wilcoxon rank sum test for nonparametric data, determining the most severe impacts and effective resilience responses among the actors. The results reveal that farmers and intermediaries were similarly affected by the pandemic, reporting 21 and 16 negative impacts, respectively. Farmers experienced a higher number and severity of impacts on financial and social resources, while intermediaries on human and material resources. The strongest impact was the loss of sales, reported by 65% of farmers and 58% of intermediaries. Farmers implemented more social responses that they judged highly effective, while intermediaries implemented more human responses that they judged highly effective. Public policy should enhance the social resources of farmers by strengthening their associativity and the capacities of their members, as mechanisms to mitigate their vulnerability to future health and climate crises. The financial resources of both actors should be protected through public credit and agricultural insurance.

Neuroinflammation, blood-brain barrier dysfunction, hippocampal atrophy and delayed neurodevelopment: Contributions for a rat model of congenital Zika syndrome.

The congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) has been characterized as a set of several brain changes, such as reduced brain volume and subcortical calcifications, in addition to cognitive deficits. Microcephaly is one of the possible complications found in newborns exposed to Zika virus (ZIKV) during pregnancy, although it is an impacting clinical sign. This study aimed to investigate the consequences of a model of congenital ZIKV infection by evaluating the histopathology, blood-brain barrier, and neuroinflammation in pup rats 24 h after birth, and neurodevelopment of the offspring. Pregnant rats were inoculated subcutaneously with ZIKV-BR at the dose 1 × 107 plaque-forming unit (PFU mL-1) of ZIKV isolated in Brazil (ZIKV-BR) on gestational day 18 (G18). A set of pups, 24 h after birth, was euthanized. The brain was collected and later evaluated for the histopathology of brain structures through histological analysis. Additionally, analyses of the blood-brain barrier were conducted using western blotting, and neuroinflammation was assessed using ELISA. Another set of animals was evaluated on postnatal days 3, 6, 9, and 12 for neurodevelopment by observing the developmental milestones. Our results revealed hippocampal atrophy in ZIKV animals, in addition to changes in the blood-brain barrier structure and pro-inflammatory cytokines expression increase. Regarding neurodevelopment, a delay in important reflexes during the neonatal period in ZIKV animals was observed. These findings advance the understanding of the pathophysiology of CZS and contribute to enhancing the rat model of CZS.

The psychometric properties and feasibility of the Alberta infant motor scale used in telehealth: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Telehealth can be a viable option for improving equitable access to early motor assessment for financially vulnerable individuals. AIM: This review aimed to identify the psychometric properties of the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) when applied via telehealth and assess its feasibility. METHODS: Papers were systematically retrieved from electronic databases until October 4, 2023. We included studies that assessed the motor development of infants using the AIMS through telehealth. RESULTS: Thirteen studies, encompassing 897 infants (449 male and 396 female), were included in this review. Among them, 805 were typical infants and 92 were at risk of motor delay. The age range of participants spanned from 4.9 weeks to 20 months. The studies found good concurrent validity between telehealth and in-person assessments (ICC > 0.98, SEM < 1.6, mean difference = 0.5) and good to excellent reliability (ICC > 0.80) using home videos recorded by parents or video calls with researchers. Telehealth was perceived as feasible by parents, who expressed high satisfaction, and the quality of images and assessments met commendable standards. CONCLUSION: Considering the limited number of studies that have assessed infants with neuromotor disorders, this scale has the potential for telehealth application in evaluating typical infants.

Evaluation of the effects of COVID-19 on semen parameters and male infertility.

The new coronavirus pandemic resulted in millions of deaths in Brazil and around the world, and presented substantial challenges to society. The shortand long-term clinical manifestations tied to COVID-19 are still poorly understood, and may involve several organs and systems, including the male genital tract, which may lead to impaired fertility. The present study aimed to analyze, through an integrative literature review of articles available in databases, the effects of COVID-19 on parameters related to human semen quality. The analyzed studies reported significant decreases in sperm motility and morphology related to COVID-19. Reductions in concentration and volume were also observed. Inflammatory response is one of the leading mechanisms that may potentially explain the observed changes, although others may also be involved. More studies are needed to better understand the effects, modes of action, as well as other aspects involved in this complex phenomenon.

Effect of lower limb resistance training on ICF components in chronic stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs.

BACKGROUND: Resistance training (RT) effectively promotes functional independence after stroke. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of lower limb RT on body structure and function (muscle strength, postural balance), activity (mobility, gait) and participation (quality of life, impact of stroke on self-perceived health) outcomes in individuals with chronic stroke. METHODS: Six databases were searched from inception until September 2022 for randomized controlled trials comparing lower limb RT to a control intervention. The random-effects model was used in the meta-analyses. Effect sizes were reported as standardized mean differences (SMD). Quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. RESULTS: Fourteen studies were included. Significant improvements were found in body structure and function after lower limb RT: knee extensors (paretic side - SMD: 1.27; very low evidence), knee flexors (paretic side - SMD: 0.51; very low evidence; non-paretic side - SMD: 0.52; low evidence), leg press (paretic side - SMD: 0.83; very low evidence) and global lower limb muscle strength (SMD: -1.47; low evidence). No improvement was found for knee extensors (p = 0.05) or leg press (p = 0.58) on the non-paretic side. No improvements were found in the activity domain after lower limb RT: mobility (p = 0.16) and gait (walking speed-usual: p = 0.17; walking speed-fast: p = 0.74). No improvements were found in the participation domain after lower limb RT: quality of life (p > 0.05), except the bodily pain dimension (SMD: 1.02; low evidence) or the impact of stroke on self-perceived health (p = 0.38). CONCLUSION: Lower limb RT led to significant improvements in the body structure and function domain (knee extensors and flexors, leg press, global lower limb muscle strength) in individuals with chronic stroke. No improvements were found in the activity (mobility, gait [walking speed]) or participation (quality of life, impact of stroke on self-perceived health) domains. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42021272645.

Carrying life and death: the daily routine of hospital stretcher bearers in the context of COVID-19. / Carregando vidas e mortes: o cotidiano de trabalho de maqueiros hospitalares no contexto da COVID-19.

This article aims to analyze the daily work of stretcher bearers in a Federal Teaching and Research Hospital in the context of COVID-19, exploring the subjective aspects related to working in constant contact with death and the invisibility to which these workers are subjected. The proposed discussion stems from a more comprehensive qualitative investigation. The main methodological resource of the empirical research was the direct observation in the daily work that allowed one to capture nuances of the work in a dialectical analysis with the workers. The data obtained were analyzed from the perspective of Social Psychology of Work. Transience and invisibility were identified as important categories of analysis of this daily work, where the process of becoming a stretcher-bearer was marked by aspects of precariousness of work and vulnerability of the worker. Working in contact with death was also understood as a factor of invisibility, where the creation of bonds and humor appeared as a collective strategy to face the harshness of work. This article concluded by examining the importance of looking at the subjective aspects of the work carried out by stretcher bearers, as well as the expansion of research on the subject.

Este artigo analisa o cotidiano de trabalho de maqueiros em um Hospital Federal de Ensino e Pesquisa no contexto da COVID-19, explorando os aspectos subjetivos referentes ao trabalhar em constante contato com a morte e à invisibilidade a que esses trabalhadores estão submetidos. Adotamos o referencial da Psicologia Social do Trabalho, como técnica de pesquisa foram feitas observação direta no cotidiano de trabalho e rodas de conversa com os maqueiros, o que permitiu capturar nuances do trabalho numa análise dialética junto aos trabalhadores. A transitoriedade e invisibilidade foram identificadas enquanto importantes categorias de análise desse cotidiano trabalho, onde o processo de tornar-se maqueiro era marcado por aspectos de precarização do trabalho e vulnerabilização do trabalhador. O trabalho em contato com a morte também foi compreendido como um fator de invisibilidade, onde a criação de vínculos e humor emergem como estratégias coletiva de enfrentamento da dureza inerente ao trabalho. Conclui-se a importância de olhar para os aspectos subjetivos do trabalho realizado pelos maqueiros, assim como a ampliação de pesquisas sobre a saúde desses trabalhadores.